Vehicle Antenna Assembly with Integrated Modem Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The long coaxial cables connecting modems to antennas in vehicle wireless communication systems result in signal losses due to their length, necessitating the placement of modems in proximity to antennas to minimize electro-magnetic interference.

Innovation Solution

An antenna assembly comprising a base made of aluminum, a modem, a top lid with antenna elements on its exterior surface, and a housing that acts as an electro-magnetic barrier to prevent interference, allowing the modem to be placed close to the antennas while maintaining signal integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the modem is placed far from the antenna to prevent electro-magnetic interference, then signal quality is improved, but signal loss increases due to long coaxial cable length

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidsignal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the modem and antenna into a single integrated housing unit, eliminating the need for long coaxial cables. The modem is positioned in proximity to the antenna elements within the same housing, thereby combining previously separated components to simultaneously reduce signal loss and manage electro-magnetic interference through internal shielding structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electro-magnetic barrier (shielding structure) as an intermediary element between the modem and antenna. This barrier allows the modem to be placed close to the antenna while preventing harmful electro-magnetic interference, thus mediating the conflict between proximity (reducing signal loss) and separation (reducing interference).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If the modem is placed in proximity to the antenna to minimize coaxial cable length, then signal loss is reduced, but electro-magnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal lossVSAvoidelectro-magnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies electro-magnetic shielding selectively in specific regions where the modem is positioned near the antenna. The shielding structure is strategically placed to protect only the critical areas from electro-magnetic interference, allowing the overall system to benefit from reduced cable length while maintaining signal integrity in protected zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration reduces signal losses by minimizing electro-magnetic interference, enabling efficient communication by placing the modem in proximity to the antennas without compromising signal quality.

Implementation Method 1

The top lid acts as an electro-magnetic barrier for the modem

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-magnetic barrier: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentUS11490502B2Antenna assembly for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 AIRGAIN INC

AI summary

An antenna assembly includes a base, a modem, a top lid and a housing. The base is composed of an aluminum material. The modem is disposed on the base. The top lid is for the base, and the top lid includes at least one antenna element disposed on an exterior surface. The housing covers the top lid and base. The top lid acts as an electro-magnetic barrier for the modem.